Council praises Stefan for accepting Tsarnaev's body

Wednesday

Nov 27, 2013 at 11:12 AMNov 28, 2013 at 8:09 AM

WORCESTER - Six months ago, the eyes of the world were on Peter Stefan, a local funeral director, who accepted the body of suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev and prepared it for burial in Virginia. The City Council last night took a moment to recognize Mr. Stefan for his "compassionate efforts" in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing.

By Nick Kotsopoulos, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — Six months ago, the eyes of the world were on Peter Stefan, a local funeral director, who accepted the body of suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev and prepared it for burial in Virginia.

Mr. Stefan, owner of the Graham Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Home on Main Street, drew criticism from many people for his actions, and working with Mr. Tsarnaev's family on the funeral arrangements. But he felt it was the right thing to do.

The City Council Tuesday night took a moment to recognize Mr. Stefan for his "compassionate efforts" in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing.

He was presented a key to the city from Mayor Joseph M. Petty, and the City Council and received many words of praise from city councilors for his actions.

Councilor-at-Large Frederick C. Rushton said it was time for the city to recognize what Mr. Stefan did in the midst of times when some people were forgetting about the dignity of burial.

"(Mr. Stefan) stood strong despite much criticism from people around the nation, in this commonwealth and even from friends in this city," Mr. Rushton said. "We want to publicly say as a body that we recognize the work of this amazing citizen and person of faith. Even in times of crisis and tragedy we have to stay resolved to our basic principles in honoring the right of burial."

Councilor-at-Large Michael J. Germain said Mr. Stefan's actions were "the right thing to do" despite all the criticism he received for them.

"Some nasty things were said, but he stuck to his guns, and several months later it has been proven that he did the right thing," Mr. Germain said. "His resolve proved to be the right thing, the ethical thing and the just cause. He made the city of Worcester proud, and hopefully he made this body proud for this and all the work he has done in the past for the underprivileged."

Councilor-at-Large Joseph C. O'Brien and District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera also praised Mr. Stefan for the job he did, calling it "compassionate and thoughtful."

Ms. Rivera said Mr. Stefan has long been an unsung hero in the community for being open to so many different cultures and helping the underprivileged.

"Peter Stefan has been a hero to a lot of people for a lot of years," Ms. Rivera said.

Mr. Stefan humbly accepted the honor from the council.

"It was something that had to be done," he said. "The first couple of days, there was a tremendous impact from all over the world. But after the first couple of days went by, it swung around the other way.

"I think we made the city of Worcester proud and taught the world a lesson," he said.